An Introduction to the Graduate Program in Mathematics
At the University of Kentucky we have strong programs in the pure and applied areas of algebra, analysis and partial differential equations, applied math, combinatorics, numerical analysis, and topology. Our program is designed to give students a solid foundation to prepare them for a successful career, whether in academics, industry or government service. There are many opportunities for our students to enrich their background for a research, educational, or business career. Students are encouraged to talk in one of the department's many research seminars, including a Graduate Student Colloquium . run by the Graduate Student Council, and to attend national/international conferences as well as regional meetings. Our students have opportunities to teach a variety of courses and to work in our special instructional and outreach programs. The overall goal is for our students to excell in research and teaching of mathematics and to ultimately become well-rounded leaders in their field.
Our Degree Programs
The Department of Mathematics offers programs leading to the Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degrees. Courses of study are available in algebra, analysis, discrete mathematics, numerical analysis, partial differential equations and topology.
The Ph.D degree is a five year program culminating in an original piece of mathematical research for a thesis and eventual publication in a scholarly journal. While the thesis is in a specific area, the coursework leading up to this is designed to provide breadth to prepare our students for successful careers. The Ph.D. program initially consists of coursework from our six core areas. By the end of the third year our students must pass the Preliminary Examinations based upon three of these core areas. Remaining coursework stems from seminar courses in topics of current research.
The M.A. degree program is based predominantly upon a three course sequence in algebra, analysis, and topology, and is usually elected by prospective junior college and secondary school teachers. It is a thirty credit hour program (ten courses) which may be taken with or without a thesis.
Our Research Facilities
Offices for faculty, graduate students and staff, and a library for mathematical sciences are conveniently located in the same building. The library contains a comprehensive collection of books and journals in mathematics, statistics and related areas. The department provides computer facilities for faculty and students through individual desktop PCs, a network of Hewlett Packard UNIX workstations, and a Linux PC cluster. In addition, an instructional computer laboratory and a research computer laboratory are available through the Mathematical Sciences Computing Facility. The University has campus-wide licenses for Maple and several Microsoft products (such as Microsoft Office), which provide copies for home machines of all University faculty, staff, teaching and research assistants, and fellowship recipients. The University is a member of the Institute for Mathematics and its Applications in Minnesota. Math students attend workshops, summer schools and conferences sponsored by the Institute both in Minneapolis and at other member institutions. Finally, our department is a member of the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI), the renowned international research institute in Berkeley, California, offering fully funded summer programs for advanced graduate students.
Financial Aid and Cost of Study
Teaching Assistantships and Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis. In the 2007-2008 academic year, full-time teaching assistants received stipends of at least $13,400 for nine months, a full tuition scholarship, and health insurance. Most students also receive additional support of a teaching assistantship or a research assistantship in the summer. Applications that are completed by February 1 will automatically be considered for supplemental fellowships of up to $3,000 such as the Reedy Quality Achievement Award, the Max Steckler Award, or the Fugate-Wells Fellowships. In addition, several full fellowships which do not require teaching are available for exceptionally well-qualified candidates. There are a number of Research Assistantships with no teaching duties that are intended for advanced students who are working on specific research projects.
Students supported by fellowships or teaching assistantships receive a tuition Scholarship which pays all tuition. Students are responsible for a health service fee, a campus recreation fee, and textbook costs.
Graduate Students
The mathematics department, with approximately sixty five graduate students, from the U. S. and abroad, places great emphasis on building a community of graduate students and faculty. Our programs have enjoyed high graduation rates. Each year, near 7 students receive Ph.D.'s and about 10 earn Master's degrees. Our doctoral graduates have an excellent placement record with most of them going on to a career in academics while those interested in applied math finding related employments in industry or government service.
The Faculty
The department has a faculty of over thirty-five mathematicians who collaborate closely with students in courses, research and other projects. Our faculty has achieved national prominence in mathematical research and education; see About UK Math page. Research interests of faculty include areas of pure mathematics such as algebraic combinatorics, polytopes, algebraic geometry, commutative algebra, quadratic forms, algebraic topology, elliptic cohomology, mathematical physics, complex analysis, functional analysis, potential theory, non-linear partial differential equations, inverse problems, harmonic analysis, geometric scattering theory and more. In addition, we have an active applied program with interests in areas such as numerical linear algebra, numerical solution of partial differential equations, image processing and the mathematics of materials. For more information about faculty research interests, visit the faculty research groups page.
Lexington and the Bluegrass Region
Metropolitan Lexington is in the heart of the Bluegrass region and has a population of approximately 260,000. The area is known for its white-fenced horse farms, thoroughbred racing, and its unspoiled natural beauty. Well served by the convenient Bluegrass Airport, the city is 80 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio and 75 miles east of Louisville, Kentucky, and is located near the Red River Gorge which provides opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities. Lexington is also one of the South's leading medical centers. All these combined with a very modest cost of living make Lexington a very pleasant community in which to study and live.
The University
The University of Kentucky, a land-grant university founded in 1865 and a Carnegie Doctoral/Research university, is the principal center for graduate and professional study in Kentucky. It sits on 670 acres just south of downtown Lexington. Approximately 27,000 students are enrolled on campus, and over 6,450 of them are pursuing a graduate degree.
Information Requests, Contacts
Qiang Ye
Director of Graduate Studies
dgsmath@ms.uky.edu
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Phone: (800) 357-1113 (toll free) or (859) 257-6808
You may also request that an information/application packet be mailed to you by filling out the following
Finally, if you will be in Lexington, please feel free to visit the department and learn about our program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies by to arrange an appointment.